Chapter 3

Ivy was only wrapped in the flimsy hotel robe, which was as good as wearing nothing. Her soft body pressed right up against Wade's chest.

"Sorry!" Ivy blurted, her cheeks instantly turning crimson.

She struggled to get off Wade, but her arms and legs felt like jelly. With his phone still in her hand, she ended up rubbing against him, making it look like she was doing it on purpose.

Ivy heard Wade's mocking laugh above her.

Wade scooped her up and set her down on the bathroom counter.

He stood between her legs, voice thick with sarcasm. He sneered, "Still not enough for you?"

"No," Ivy mumbled, not daring to look up.

Wade's voice cut in again. He asked, "Not enough money?"

Ivy's expression froze.

"No, I..." she started to explain.

Just as she was about to say more, the phone buzzed twice, showing the video call had connected.

Vivian's voice came through the phone, crisp and no-nonsense. She said, "Mr. Ford, you still have two appointments tonight..."

That was just her style: always straight to the point, super efficient, and totally professional, no matter who she was talking to.

But she cut herself off halfway through.

Ivy looked at the phone screen.

On the screen, the camera was angled just right, showing off Wade's sculpted jawline and his ripped upper body.

Vivian was totally stunned, not expecting to see such a jaw-dropping scene.

Before Vivian could react, Ivy reacted lightning fast. She threw her arms around Wade's neck, pressed her red lips to his, and kissed him without hesitation.

It was a seriously seductive kiss.

Then Ivy turned to the screen, her voice slow and teasing, laced with flirtation. She said, "Don't worry, Vivian. I won't keep Mr. Ford from his schedule."

Vivian was so furious that she couldn't even get the words out. Her face flushed bright red.

The next second, Wade reached out and hit the hang-up button.

The screen went black.

Wade slipped his phone into his pocket, then pressed his hand firmly on Ivy's shoulder, making her lean back against the bathroom mirror.

The icy glass sent a shiver through Ivy, and the smile on her petite face barely hung on.

"Stick to what you're supposed to do," Wade said, his voice cold, his eyes as emotionless as polished obsidian. He added, "Stop trying to stake your claim everywhere, and quit meddling in my life. Got it?"

"Of course," Ivy said.

Wade's intimidating presence made Ivy's legs go weak, even while she was sitting. She could play the queen in front of anyone else, especially when she was busting cheaters.

But around Wade, her act always fell apart.

Wade sneered, "Good. Ever since the night you forced your way into my bed, you've had zero credibility with me. Don't forget your place."

Wade had just ripped open her old scars, but Ivy didn't dare get mad. She just bit her tongue and apologized, head down, meek as ever.

She said, "I understand, Mr. Ford. Please don't be angry. I'm sorry, it's my fault."

If Wade cut off her pay in a fit of rage, Andrew would be out of luck for his hospital bills. That would be a total disaster for her.

Luckily, Wade wasn't actually mad. He glanced at his phone one more time, then turned to get dressed.

Ivy stayed put on the counter, too scared to leave. Only after she heard the door click shut did she finally get up to take a shower.

After changing into fresh clothes and putting on her makeup, Ivy left the hotel.

She had barely stepped out of the elevator when her phone rang: it was Andrew calling.

"Ivy, did you pay the hospital bill again?" Andrew asked, his voice rough and tired.

Hearing that raspy voice, Ivy felt a pang in her chest, but she forced herself to stay strong.

She said, "Andrew, making money's no big deal for me. Just focus on getting better, okay? Don't worry about me."

"I'm just dragging you down. Ivy, I'm done with treatment," Andrew said.

Ivy said, "Stop it." Her eyes burned with unshed tears, but she forced herself to sound fierce.

She said, "If you give up, how long do you think you'll last? Why should I have to lose my brother? Andrew, how can you be so selfish? Just do what the doctor says, or I'll come over and kick your ass."

With that, she hung up, blinking hard to keep the tears from falling. Just as she was about to leave, she spotted a gray Mercedes not far away.

It was the car Ford Group had assigned to Vivian for business trips and fieldwork.

Ivy was feeling down and didn't want to deal with anything. She was about to walk around when the driver's window slid down, and Vivian's face appeared, icy cold, staring right at her.

Vivian had a harsh, almost mean look about her, but she was super competent and Wade's trusted right hand.

Ivy just didn't like her at all.

Ivy was about to leave when Vivian called out, "Ivy."

Ivy stopped, arching an eyebrow. She turned and asked, "Yeah? What's up?"

"Mr. Ford has a charity gala tonight. Mrs. Jennifer Ford thinks it's best if you go with him, so Mr. Ford told me to take you shopping for something appropriate and get you ready," Vivian said, her tone brisk and commanding.

She nodded toward the car, clearly expecting Ivy to get in.

Ivy's spirits lifted instantly: her bad mood from earlier vanished in a flash.

With both Jennifer and Wade wanting her at the gala, that meant she'd score double the cash once the night was over.

After all, neither of them had any idea the other was paying her, too.